Friday, April 25, 2014

Spring time not only means baby animals at The Farm at Walnut Creek, one of Holmes County's favorite attractions, but time for their Easter Adventure, taking place this weekend; Saturday, April 26, 2014.

The Farm at Walnut Creek

Thousands of Easter eggs will be dropped and scattered on the Farm by a helicopter, as children race to collect the eggs for prizes. The helicopter drop times will be 11:00 am. 1:00 pm. and 3:00 pm. Other activities that this event includes are; swinging at a pinata, spending time in a giant corn box, participating in a coloring contest, and getting photos taken while holding some of the Farm's rabbits.

Monday, April 21, 2014

Increasingly more people, often referred to as homesteaders, off griders, or those going green, are seeking self reliance and are finding expert advice among the Amish. One of Holmes County's Amish-owned companies, Enviro-Sol, is a leading resource not only for practical information, but for complete systems, installation, and labor services. Owner, Javon Miller is one of those practical persons who can make recommendations as to the type of solar panels, inverters, batteries, water softeners and RO systems, natural gas generator setups, etc., are best suited for your needs.

Solar Battery System

Mr. Miller is a living example of self sufficiency; monthly using an average of 350 kilowatt hours of electric. Operating from his solar system is his home, laundry, well pump, refrigerators and freezers, some energy efficient lights, three offices, and a small workshop with electric tools. In keeping with Amish tradition, his family is careful to conserve. His family's usage is lower than the average American family, as they do not utilize the many electronic gadgets of most American homes. Mr. Miller stated that one of the greatest misconceptions about solar energy is that, "It will run only a few lights." Mr. Miller can show that a complete household can be efficiently served by solar.

There are several different sects of Amish in this area, and not all would be permitted the use of solar energy; however, the more progressive Old-Order Amish, New Order, and New-New Order certainly do avail themselves to these technologies. It is ironic that the Amish, considered the US's most primitive life-styled people, those who resist change, represent the largest consumer group utilizing solar power in the United States; are those on the cutting edge of solar implementation. Generating their own power fulfills their self reliance needs and is not inconsistent with their Amish ideology of separation from the world. Historically, and to this day, they guard their autonomy. This is why they have refused adapting to the US electric grid and are receptive to solar. It's all about economy and self reliance.

Windmill on Amish Farm

Mr. Miller sells wind turbines, stating that turbines provide auxiliary assistance and would not represent a core system for power. Mr. Miller advocates battery backup storage for energy overages rather than selling it back to the power company. Battery back up provides power if grid service is down. His solar panels have a life expectancy of 30-40 years and come with a 25-year warranty. Charge controllers regulate incoming energy. If the batteries are full, they will go into what is called a "Float charge," or a maintenance charge.

Presently there is a 30%tax credit incentiveavailable for installations, perhaps good until 2016. Many other incentives are available on the dsireusa.org site. Other efficient systems can be implemented; such as radient heat, tankless hot water heat, and wood-burning stoves.

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Trying to plan a weekend trip, but can't find a sitter for your pet? The Barn Inn Bed and Breakfast is pleased to inform you that the East Holmes Veterinary Clinic has recently opened a new facility, the Red Ruff Ruff Inn, which offers boarding, grooming, and puppy day care, located at 5456 CR 120, Berlin, Ohio, only about 5 1/2 miles from The Barn Inn.

The East Holmes Veterinary Clinic has been serving Berlin and the surrounding area since 1986, which began in the basement of Dr. Eric Shaver and his wife Cheryl's home, and has now expanded to three facilities consisting of 5 doctors and 20 staff members.

The main office is located in Berlin, which is where the surgical and major medical cases are seen. The Millersburg satellite facility offers appointments for wellness, outpatient care, and grooming. Also at the Millersburg location and Red Ruff Ruff Inn is a Laundro Mut, a 24 hour automated self serve dog wash.

The East Holmes Veterinary Clinic works hard to make sure of the comfort and wellness of your pet so you feel secure leaving your cat, dog, or small animal in their care, whether its a medical condition or you just need a pet sitter for a weekend.

Call The East Holmes Veterinary Clinic today for hours and availability (330)-893-2057.

Saturday, April 12, 2014

Plan now to attend the Wounded Warrior Project Memorial Day Event Sunday, May 25, 2014, in Holmes County, Ohio, at the Guggisberg Swiss Inn in Charm. Guggisburg Swiss Inn will be donating all net proceeds to the Wounded Warrior Project on this special Memorial Day event honoring and helping wounded soldiers.

Guggisberg Swiss Inn

Family-fun festivities at The Guggisberg Swiss Inn will begin Sunday,
May 25 at 4 p.m. with roasted hotdogs and s'mores, silent auctions,
a split the pot drawing, and donated gift baskets for bidding throughout the day
that will provide donations to the Wounded Warrior Project. As a finale,
at dusk you will be able to purchase Chinese Lighted Sky Lanters that
will be lighted and launched over the pond and bridge in memory
of loved ones; this followed by lighting of sparklers.

Come a day ahead and make it a memorable weekend with dinner at the Chalet in the Valley Restaurant, where authentic Swiss/German cooking, along with Amish fare is served in true Swiss atmosphere. Enjoy the rolling hills of Amish Country, with scenes that reflect our Swiss, Amish, and European roots. Plan a serene Amish country drive, take in some shopping, stop at Guggisberg Swiss Cheese for a sampling of awarding-winning cheeses, or stop at any of the many unique home industry shops that thrive on our back roads. The Guggisberg Swiss Inn offers generous hospitality and accommodations for the weekend.

Barn Inn and Apple Hill Acommodations

In collaboration with the Guggisberg Swiss Inn, the Millersburg, Ohio, Barn Inn Bed and Breakfast, invites all to support this worthy cause and consider accommodations at the historic Barn Inn; a distinctive bed and breakfast offering gracious Amish-Country hospitality. The Barn Inn also offers family and group accommodations for four to ten people at their Apple Hill location. Call The Barn Inn at 330-674-7600 for group accommodations.

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Just over a thirty minute scenic drive along Ohio State Route 83 from Millersburg, the village of Coshocton offers a variety of historic attractions and shopping venues for visitors to Amish Country looking for a place to spend a Sunday. Guests of the Millersburg Barn Inn Bed and Breakfast are invited to take the short trip for even more historic and unique shopping experiences.

Home to four wineries, a beautiful public park with an attached aquatic center, and historic Roscoe Village, Coshocton county has a place for families and friends of all ages to enjoy. The rich history of Roscoe is what makes Coshocton County a true extension of Ohio's Amish Country.

Founded in the 1800s as a canal town and later restored in the 1960s, Roscoe Village hosts event, tours, and plenty of shops as an affordable getaway to another time. While many shops in Amish Country are closed on Sundays, Roscoe Village is open seven days a week, year round. A complete chart and map of the village and shop hours is available here:http://www.roscoevillage.com/Roscoe%20Village%20Hours-rv.pdf

Sunday hours for the shops in Roscoe Village differ only slightly from the weekday hours; opening hours are typically an hour later, and closing is an hour earlier. Between shopping, plenty of tours and attractions are available throughout the day, including the Johnson-Humrikhouse Museum (home to the Newark Holy Stones) and the Horse-Drawn Monticello III Canal Boat Ride at Lake Park. Visitors are also invited to dine at Roscoe's own Steak n' Stein restaurant, The Warehouse.

The Historic Roscoe Village is truly an extension of Ohio's Amish Country, offering insight into the canal days of the 1800s. Roscoe was once a bustling port along the Ohio and Erie canals before the flood of 1913 destroyed much of the local canals and halted their use permanently. Now visitors have the chance to experience a restored version of the village, home to many traditional artisans such as weavers, broom makers, printers, and blacksmiths.

In addition to the year-round tours, Roscoe Village also hosts a number of annual festivals that bring the history of the town and its traditions to light. A full list of events, history, and contact information is available at www.roscoevillage.com.